The 10 best places to retire around the world in 2017

The 10 best places to retire around the world in 2017

The best places to retire have been outlined in a report, listing the very best countries in the world to head to when you hit 66.

Spent your whole life dreaming of living abroad when you finally get to shake off the nine to five and retire? Now there’s a tool to help you decide where to relocate to in your golden years. International Living’s annual Global Retirement Index is a comprehensive report that definitively lists the very best countries to retire to. The Index lists 23 countries that are great options for retired people, based on a number of factors. Various questions determine whether a place would be attractive to those who’ve retired. These include, how much is it to rent there? Can you catch a movie in English? What is the average humidity? How much does a doctor’s visit cost? Do they speak English? And many more besides. The list has been meticulously researched over months by a team of correspondents, editors, and contributors all over the world.

Here are the top 10 countries to retire to, in reverse order:

10. Malta

Already a popular holiday destination with Brits, Malta offers retirees 300 days of sun, a mild winter, laidback atmosphere and a large, international, English-speaking community. A couple can live comfortably for less than £2,180 ($2,7000) a month and rent a two-bedroom in Sliema, one of Malta’s liveliest cities, for about £645 ($800) a month, according to International Living. Health care is excellent and inexpensive.

9. Portugal

Another popular holiday spot, Portugal has a big ex-pat community. It offers a low cost of living, warm climate, idyllic beaches and many English-speaking locals. The Algarve region in particular attracts many British expats thanks to its golf courses and beaches.

8. Nicaragua

“Everywhere you look, there is progress, and the expat lifestyle gets easier and easier every year,” say International Living’s editors of Nicaragua. There is great healthcare, low stress and a low cost of living for retirees – £1,210 ($1,500) a month.

7. Spain

Another country popular with British ex-pats, Spain’s attractions include a low cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, beaches and a warm climate. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment for as little as £400 ($500) a month and can buy one from £56,000 ($70,000).

6. Malaysia

A multicultural place that boasts a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, European and American communities, Malaysia has beautiful islands, beaches and rainforests. Cost of living is low and healthcare is excellent.

5. Colombia

If you’ve watched any of the series Narcos, you might well raise an eyebrow at Colombia’s inclusion. But International Living says Colombia “has shed its dark past.” It has excellent health care, a warm climate and a low cost of living. International Living says there are places to rent for as little as £400 ($500) a month.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been home to many retired people for the last 30 years. Based in Central America, it offers high quality health care and a warm welcome to foreigners. Rents start at £322 ($400) per month for fully-furnished condos and a weekly food shop only costs around £28 ($35) a week.

3. Ecuador

International Living’s index has been recommending Ecuador for years. It has a diverse climate, affordable healthcare and an assortment of retiree benefits.

2. Panama

According to International Living, Panamanians treat foreigners like VIPs. “With top-notch cellular and internet connections, Panama offers a user-friendly and familiar environment you may not have expected to find in the warm, sunny tropics,” says Panama editor Jessica Ramesch.

1. Mexico

Perhaps unexpectedly, Mexico claims the top spot as the best place to retire. You can apparently live well there for under £970 ($1,200) a month, the locals are friendly, English is widely spoken in the most popular retiree spots, there’s a large expat community, healthcare is affordable and high quality and after becoming a legal resident, retirees over 60 are entitled to special discounts on airlines, restaurants, groceries and medical care.